Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term chemical history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to mail.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the sample is advisable. It’s recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample weight. If scalp hair isn’t an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically imply scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result process in the laboratory is composed of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial system processing in the lab. This phase includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not encompassed by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening constitutes a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are suspected to be positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and set up for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (for example, urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is a superior choice over urine tests in Bellaire, TX, for several reasons. The extended detection window offers a longer historical view of substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring greater reliability. Employers and legal entities benefit from this increased accuracy and peace of mind, upholding a drug-free environment.
One of the primary advantages of hair follicle testing in Bellaire, TX, is its extended detection window. This method can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, allowing employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history. This makes it an invaluable tool for making informed hiring or management decisions.
Reducing the risk of sample manipulation is essential, and hair follicle testing in Bellaire, TX, offers a robust solution. This form of testing is significantly more tamper-resistant compared to traditional methods, ensuring results are trustworthy and unchallenged. Its integrity provides confidence to both users and organizations.
Bellaire, TX, benefits from convenient testing locations provided by an extensive nationwide network. Accessible facilities ensure prompt and hassle-free hair follicle testing, enabling easy scheduling and quick results. This availability makes it straightforward for individuals and companies to get the testing they need without delays.
Our hair follicle testing process in Bellaire, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering tests, sample collection, and receiving results are all streamlined steps, ensuring ease of use and maintaining user privacy. This straightforward approach addresses concerns, building trust through discretion and clarity.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing in Bellaire, TX, is affordable for businesses of all sizes. The fast turnaround times add to the value, providing timely results without financial strain. Companies appreciate the cost-effectiveness and reliability, which foster strategic decision-making on substance testing.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results are crucial when conducting drug tests. In Bellaire, TX, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision. It accurately detects a range of substances, minimizing errors. The speed of results ensures individuals and employers can make informed decisions without delay, enhancing trust in the testing process.
For employers in Bellaire, TX, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind. Implementing this method helps maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities. In promoting safety, it reassures employers of a reliable workforce, fostering a productive and secure environment.
